A Sociological Study On Perceptions Of The Role Of Education For Career Development Among 12th Grade Students At Ambattur, Chennai.

International Journal of Research in Management ISSN 2249-5908 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijrm/ijrm_index.htm Volume 15 No. 5, 2025 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17375869 ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 203 Original Article A Sociological Study on Perceptions of the Role of Education for Career Development Among 12th Grade Students at Ambattur, Chennai. Dr. K. Pushpam Post-Doctorate, Assistant Professor in Sociology, School of Law, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District – 603203, Tamil Nadu, India, | ✉ pushpasociolo[email protected]m Ms. R. Mathumitha (Registration No: RA2461502010054), 2nd Year B.A. LL.B (Honours), School of Law, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District – 603203, Tamil Nadu, India ✉ [email protected] Mr. Suraj K. S (Registration No: RA2461502010003), 2nd Year B.A. LL.B (Honours) School of Law, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District – 603203, Tamil Nadu, India INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MANAGEMENT Available online on hp://www.rspublicaon.com/ijrm/ijrm_index.htm ISSN 2249-5908 ARTICLE INFO  ABSTRACT Paper ID: IJRM68E4898CF0A17 Received: 2025-09-17 Published: 2025-10-17 DOI: https://dx.doi.org /10.5281/zenodo.17 375869 Page No: 203-213 This study investigates the perceptions of 12th-grade students regarding the influence of education on their career development. The findings indicate that although the majority of students regard education as crucial for professional achievement, their perceptions are shaped by parental support, socioeconomic status, career counselling, and practical experience. These insights can help teachers, policymakers, and counsellor variety sure that students' academic goals are in line with their career goals. Keywords: Education, Career Development, 12th-Grade Students, Career Counselling, Parental Support, Socioeconomic Status. Cite This Paper : Dr K. Pushpam, Ms. R. Mathumitha and Mr. Suraj K. S.(2025). "A Sociological Study On Percepons Of The Role Of Educaon For Career Development Among 12th Grade Students At Ambaur, Chennai.". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MANAGEMENT (IJRM), vol. 15, no. 5, 2025, pp. 203-213. DOI: hps://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17375869 International Journal of Research in Management ISSN 2249-5908 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijrm/ijrm_index.htm Volume 15 No. 5, 2025 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17375869 ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 204 Original Article Introduction Education has a big impact on a person's personality, point of view, and career path. Academic credentials are seen as the key to future professional success. The last year of school is very important for 12th graders because they need to make smart choices about college and jobs. Students' views on how education affects career success are influenced by their own goals, their family's expectations, their friends, and their access to career counselling. The goal of this study is to find out how 12th graders see education as a way to help them grow professionally and to give advice to teachers, policymakers, and counsellors. Objectives of the study 1. To examine the beliefs of 12th-grade students about how important education is for shaping their future careers. 2. To find out if there is a link between what students want to learn and what they want to do for a living. 3. To understand the challenges students facing linking education to career opportunities. 4. To analyse differences in perception shaped by variables including gender, academic performance, and familial background. Statement of the problem One of the most important times in a student's life is when they move from school to college or the job market. For 12th graders, school isn't just about getting good grades; it's also about getting ready for their future careers. But many students have trouble making career decisions because they are confused, don't know what to do, or feel pressure from their family or society. Many people think that education is the key to career success, but students don't always know how they feel about its role in shaping their professional future. This gap underscores the necessity to examine students' perceptions of the relationship between education and career advancement. LITERATURE REVIEW As noted by “Paolini (2019), school counsellors guide and support students for college and career readiness”. Paolini, A. (2019). They play a key role in helping high school students prepare for future academic and professional paths by offering both academic guidance and emotional support. Early exposure to career options, skill development, and mentorship helps students build confidence and feel more prepared for life after school. Additionally, research highlights that parents and community members significantly influence students’ aspirations and opportunities. A positive and supportive school environment further enables students to make informed career choices and transition smoothly after graduation. According to “The Role of Education for Career Development Among 12th Grade Students,” Kumar and Arulmani (2014) emphasize that education plays a pivotal role in International Journal of Research in Management ISSN 2249-5908 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijrm/ijrm_index.htm Volume 15 No. 5, 2025 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17375869 ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 205 Original Article shaping students’ career aspirations by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and exposure needed to make informed decisions. Career guidance programs in schools help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world career opportunities, especially for students at the senior secondary level. In the study by “Rani & Rajalakshmi, 2021”, “Education plays a key role in helping students discover their strengths and plan for future careers”. Career development at the school level is most effective when students are exposed to structured guidance, realworld opportunities, and decision-making support. Research shows that when career education is integrated into the curriculum, students gain clarity about their goals and are better prepared to transition into higher Education. AREA OF THE STUDY This study was conducted among 12th-grade students in Ambattur, Chennai to understand how education supports career development. Most students shared that school guidance and subject choices helped them plan their future goals more clearly. SELETION OF SAMPLE The sample for this study consists of 50 students from Ambattur, Chennai, all of whom are my friends and peers. Their responses were collected to understand how their educational experiences have influenced their career development perspectives. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This study used a descriptive research method to understand how education supports career development. A structured Google Form with multiple-choice questions was shared among 50 college students in Ambattur, Chennai. The responses were collected through purposive sampling and analysed using Google Sheets to find common patterns and insights. SOURCES OF DATA Primary Data: The primary data of this study is the direct responses collected from 50 college students through a Google Form. Secondary data : The secondary data include articles, reports, and previous research studies related to education and career development. TOOLS AND TECHNIQES USED FOR THE STUDY The main tool used for this study was a Google Form designed with multiple-choice questions to collect responses efficiently. The data was analysed using Google Sheets to identify patterns and draw conclusions related to education and career development. International Journal of Research in Management ISSN 2249-5908 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijrm/ijrm_index.htm Volume 15 No. 5, 2025 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17375869 ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 206 Original Article SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS This study focuses on understanding how education influences career development among college students in Ambattur, Chennai. It provides insights into students’ perceptions based on their academic experiences and future goals. However, the study is limited to a small sample size of 50 students, which may not represent the broader student population. Additionally, since all participants were personally known to the researcher, responses may carry a degree of bias. DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 1. Which group are you studying12th grade? Category No. of Respondents percent S cience 21 42 C ommer c e 27 5 4 Arts 02 4 Total 50 100 Source: Primary data Most of the people who answered (54 percent of them) are from the Commerce stream, and 42 percent are from the Science stream. This means that students from these two types of schools are more likely to be involved in talks about how their education has affected their job paths. The Arts stream is only represented by 4 percent of the sample, which shows that few students studying humanities or social studies took part. The very low number of students in the Arts stream suggests that it is either less popular among students or possibly less promoted within the school environment. This suggests that Commerce is currently the most preferred academic stream among the students in this sample. 2. Do you believe education is important for career development? Category No. of Respondents Percent Yes 43 86 No 01 2 Not sure 03 6 May be 03 6 total 50 100 Source: Primary data Most of the students who answered the survey—86 percent—said that education is important for career growth. Only one person (2 percent) said it’s not important. International Journal of Research in Management ISSN 2249-5908 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijrm/ijrm_index.htm Volume 15 No. 5, 2025 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17375869 ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 207 Original Article A few students were unsure, with 6 percent choosing “not sure” and another 6 percent saying “maybe.” These answers show that many young people believe education helps them build a better future. Since the survey was done among college students in Ambattur, their views reflect what students in this area think about how education connects to their career plans. 3. How much do you think your current education will help you in choosing a career? Category No. of Responden ts Percent Very much 30 60 Somewhat 18 36 Very little 01 2 Not at all 01 2 Total 50 100 Source: Primary data Most of the students who took part in the survey (60 percent) said that their current education will help them a lot in choosing a career. This shows that many of them feel confident that what they are learning now will guide them in making the right decisions for their future. A good number (36 percent) said their education will help them to some extent, which means they see some connection between their studies and career plans, but not completely. Only one student (2 percent) felt their education will help very little, and another one (2 percent) said it won’t help at all. These few students might feel that other things like personal interests, skills, or work experience are more important than formal education when it comes to choosing a career 4.Who influences your career decisions the most? Category No. of Respondents percent Parents/Family 29 58 Teachers/School 1 2 Friends 4 8 Self - interest 16 32 Total 50 100 Source: Primary data Most students said that their parents or family have the biggest influence on their career decisions. Out of 50 students, 29 chose this option, which makes up 58 per cent of the total. This shows that family plays a strong role in helping students think about their future. Sixteen students (32 percent) said they make career choices based on their own interests. This means they focus more on what they enjoy or what they want to do. International Journal of Research in Management ISSN 2249-5908 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijrm/ijrm_index.htm Volume 15 No. 5, 2025 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17375869 ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 208 Original Article A few students—4 of them (8 percent)—said their friends influence their decisions. Only one student (2 percent) said teachers or school help them decide. These answers show that while personal interest matters, most students still look to their family for support and advice when it comes to choosing a career. 5.Do you think guidance and counselling in schools help in career planning? Category No. of Respondents Percent Yes 21 42 No 9 18 Not sure 18 3 6 Maybe 2 4 Total 50 100 Source: Primary data In the survey, 21 students out of 50 said that guidance and counselling in schools help with career planning. This shows that some students feel school support can guide them in thinking about their future. At the same time, 18 students said they were not sure. This might be because they haven’t had enough counselling or don’t know how much it can help. Nine students said it doesn’t help, and two said maybe. Some students may not be aware of the counselling services available in their schools. Others might feel that career decisions depend more on personal interest or family advice than on school guidance. 6.How confident are you that your education will help you get a good job? Category No. of Respondents Percent Very confident 31 62 Somewhat confident 14 28 Not confident 05 10 Total 50 100 Source: Primary data To understand how students feel about the link between education and job opportunities, a survey was conducted among 50 college students. When asked how confident they are that their education will help them get a good job, 31 students (62 percent) said they are very confident. This shows that most students believe their studies will support their future careers. Fourteen students (28 percent) said they are somewhat confident, meaning they see some value in their education but may still have doubts. International Journal of Research in Management ISSN 2249-5908 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijrm/ijrm_index.htm Volume 15 No. 5, 2025 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17375869 ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 209 Original Article Five students (10 percent) said they are not confident, showing that a few students are unsure about how useful their education will be in finding a good job. These responses reflect how students view the role of education in shaping their career paths. 7. Which factor do you think is most important for career success? Category No of Respondents Percent Education 19 38 Skills/Training 29 58 Hard work 2 4 Total 50 100 Source: Primary data We surveyed 50 college students to find out what they think is most vital for professional success. Training and abilities were most essential to 29 students (58 percent). Many students value hands-on experience and practical skills over class attendance. Education is a good method to start a profession, according to 19 students (38 percent). No one chose family or friends, and only two participants (4percent) said hard work is vital. Many students seem to think their education and application will determine their success. Some students may have noted that talented people get jobs faster, which may have influenced their responses. Some think a degree isn't enough to get a job today. These replies indicate that youngsters are becoming more realistic about the future. 8. Do you plan to continue your studies after 12th grade? Category No of Respondents Percent Yes, Undergraduate degree 44 88 Yes, Vocational /Skill cour se 03 6 I want to work immediately 02 4 Not yet decide d 01 2 Total 50 100 Source: Primary data A survey was conducted with 50 college students to learn about their plans after finishing 12th grade. Among them, 44 expressed their desire to pursue an undergraduate degree. International Journal of Research in Management ISSN 2249-5908 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijrm/ijrm_index.htm Volume 15 No. 5, 2025 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17375869 ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 210 Original Article This indicates that a lot of learners are keen on pursuing their studies by taking regular college classes. Three students mentioned that they intend to pursue vocational or skillbased courses, indicating their preference for practical and job-related learning. Two of them mentioned they’re eager to get started immediately, while one is still thinking it over. These answers indicate that pursuing higher education remains the top option for many learners. Some people might think that having a degree opens up more opportunities for landing a good job. Some people might be interested in picking up skills that can help them make money more quickly. Overall, the survey indicates that young people are really considering their future and picking paths that align with their aspirations. 9. How relevant do you find the subjects you study now to your future career goals? Category No of Respondents Percent Very relevant 22 44 Somewhat relevant 07 14 Not very relevant 20 40 Not relevant at all 01 01 Tota l 50 100 Source: Primary data A survey was conducted with 50 students to find out how they feel about the subjects they are currently studying. Among them, 22 students expressed that the subjects are super important for their future career aspirations. This indicates that a lot of learners believe their present schooling is guiding them toward their future goals. Seven students mentioned that the subjects are kind of relevant, indicating they notice a slight connection but don’t think it’s strong enough. Twenty students expressed that the subjects don’t seem very relevant, indicating that they don’t perceive a clear link between what they’re studying and the type of jobs they aspire to have in the future. A student mentioned that the subjects aren't relevant whatsoever. These responses indicate that while some learners feel sure about their education, a lot of them sense a disconnect between their studies and their future career goals. Some people might be learning about topics they didn’t pick, particularly if they had few choices. Others may feel that real job skills are different from what’s taught in the classroom. It’s obvious that young people are really considering how their learning connects to what lies ahead. International Journal of Research in Management ISSN 2249-5908 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijrm/ijrm_index.htm Volume 15 No. 5, 2025 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17375869 ©2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 211 Original Article 10. What kind of career support do you expect from your school? Category No of Respondents Percent Career counselling 22 44 Information about courses/colleges 07 14 Internship/Job exposur e 20 40 Motivation and guidance from teache rs 01 2 Total 50 100 Source: Primary data To understand what kind of career support for student expect from their school, a survey was conducted with 50 college students. Out of them, 22 students said they want career counselling. This shows that many students feel the need for proper guidance to help them choose the right path. Twenty students said they expect internship or job exposure, which means they want real-world experience while studying. Seven students said they want more information about courses and colleges, showing that some students are still exploring their options. From the collected data, only one student said they expect motivation and guidance from teachers. These responses indicate that many individuals are seeking practical assistance and straightforward guidance regarding their career planning. Some might feel a bit confused without the right guidance, while others are eager to build their skills before diving into the workforce. It’s obvious that young people appreciate guidance that assists them in making smart choices about what lies ahead. Findings  A majority of students (54 percent) opted for commerce in 12th grade, making it the most popular choice.  Science was the second most popular choice, with 42 percent of learners picking it,Only 2 people studied arts.  Most people, about 86 percent, think that education is super important for getting ahead in their careers.  Only one person mentioned that education isn't important, while a few others were uncertain or responded with "maybe."